DNA and RNA: Structure, Replication, and Protein Synthesis

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Questions and Answers

If a strand of DNA has the sequence 5'-CGTAG-3', what would be the corresponding sequence on the mRNA molecule produced during transcription?

  • 3'-GCAUC-5'
  • 5'-GCAUC-3' (correct)
  • 3'-CGTAG-5'
  • 5'-GCATC-3'

Which of these molecular biologists is most known for her work on X-ray diffraction images of DNA, which proved crucial in determining its structure?

  • Rosalind Franklin (correct)
  • James Watson
  • Francis Crick
  • Maurice Wilkins

In what cellular component does the translation process occur during protein synthesis?

  • Golgi apparatus
  • Nucleus
  • Endoplasmic reticulum
  • Ribosome (correct)

What is the primary function of mRNA in protein synthesis?

<p>Carrying genetic instructions from the nucleus to the ribosome. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A scientist is studying a new virus and observes that its genetic material contains uracil. Which of the following can the scientist conclude about the virus's genetic material?

<p>It is composed of RNA. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents the correct order of steps in DNA replication?

<p>Helicase unzips DNA → DNA polymerase adds bases → Two identical DNA molecules form (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In genetic engineering, what is a potential risk associated with decreased genetic diversity in crops?

<p>Greater susceptibility to diseases. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is trying to create a clone of a prize-winning racehorse. Which of the following steps is essential for this process?

<p>Inserting the nucleus from the horse's cell into an enucleated egg cell. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a DNA sequence is altered during genetic engineering to enhance a specific trait, which of the following outcomes is least likely?

<p>Complete predictability of all resulting traits. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A scientist is studying a mutation in a gene that codes for an enzyme. The mutation results in a non-functional enzyme. Which of the following is the most likely direct effect of this mutation on protein synthesis?

<p>The resulting protein will have an altered amino acid sequence. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic Acid, the molecule storing genetic information.

Nucleotide components

Sugar (deoxyribose), phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

DNA function

Stores genetic information and guides protein synthesis.

DNA replication steps

Helicase unzips DNA, DNA polymerase adds bases, and two identical DNA molecules form.

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Base pairing rules

Adenine (A) pairs with Thymine (T); Cytosine (C) pairs with Guanine (G).

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DNA vs. RNA

DNA has deoxyribose, is double-stranded, and contains thymine. RNA has ribose, is single-stranded, and contains uracil.

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mRNA job

Carries genetic instructions from the nucleus to the ribosome.

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Selective breeding

Breeding organisms for desired traits.

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Cloning steps

Remove nucleus from egg, insert nucleus from donor, implant in surrogate, clone born identical to donor.

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GMO Benefits

Higher crop yield and pest resistance.

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Study Notes

DNA Basics

  • DNA is deoxyribonucleic acid.
  • Nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA, consist of a sugar (deoxyribose), a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
  • DNA's sugar is deoxyribose.
  • DNA stores genetic information and guides protein synthesis.
  • DNA replicates through the following steps:
    • Helicase unzips the DNA molecule.
    • DNA polymerase adds complementary bases.
    • Two identical DNA molecules are formed.
  • Rosalind Franklin created X-ray diffraction images of DNA.
  • James Watson and Francis Crick discovered DNA's double-helix structure.
  • Base pairing rules: Adenine (A) pairs with Thymine (T); Cytosine (C) pairs with Guanine (G).
  • A unique DNA sequence allows for reliable identification through DNA fingerprinting.
  • DNA has a double helix shape.
  • Helicase is the enzyme that separates or "unzips" DNA strands.

RNA and Protein Synthesis

  • DNA and RNA differ in these ways:
    • DNA contains deoxyribose, while RNA contains ribose.
    • DNA is double-stranded, while RNA is single-stranded.
    • DNA includes thymine, but RNA has uracil.
  • Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries genetic instructions to the ribosome.
  • Transcription occurs in the nucleus.
  • Translation occurs in the ribosome.
  • A codon consists of a sequence of three bases.
  • Each codon corresponds to one amino acid.
  • During transcription, mRNA is created from a DNA template.
    • For example, DNA sequence TACATTCAGTCA becomes mRNA sequence AUGUAAGUCAGU, coding for the amino acid sequence Met-Lys-Ser-Val.

Genetic Engineering

  • Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can lead to higher crop yield and pest resistance.
  • Potential risks of GMOs include allergies and reduced genetic diversity.
  • Selective breeding involves breeding organisms for specific traits, such as in dog breeding.
  • A downside of inbreeding is the increased risk of genetic disorders.
  • A mule, the offspring of a horse and a donkey, is an example of a hybrid.
  • Cloning involves these key steps:
    • Remove the nucleus from an egg cell.
    • Insert the nucleus from a donor cell.
    • Implant the egg cell into a surrogate.
    • The resulting clone will be genetically identical to the donor.

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